Whoever decided that the middle of winter was the best time for a holiday all about romance wasn’t in their right minds. For those lucky enough to have that special someone, there’s just something not so romantic about runny noses and chapped lips. And for the singletons out there, you’re already aware that you crave snuggling up to someone in the cold winter months. You don’t need a reminder.

However, through all the pains that is Valentine’s Day, there is no better place to spend your day than on the slopes. From being in the midst of a budding romance to being in a happily committed relationship, here is how you make the most of V-Day on the slopes.

Single and loving itSkiing can be a perfect way to enjoy the single life. Unlike going to a movie or eating at a restaurant by yourself, skiing by yourself doesn’t have the weird “loner” connotation (more power to you if you do those things without feeling awkward!). On the slopes, skiing by yourself is just as normal as skiing with a bunch of friends. You can be “one with nature,” reveling in the silence in the air with only the sounds of your skis making turns, or you can integrate yourself into the après crowd without any questions asked. Because skiers and riders know how to have fun, in a group or flying solo.Enjoy V-Day by:

Find a long, gentle trail without a crowd and take your time getting to the bottom. There’s something to be said about this kind of “me time.”

Grab your group of friends and skip the whole Valentine’s Day shenanigans. Make memories on the chairlift and forget them at the bar.

Find another single-and-loving-it ski buddy and don’t worry about having to take the same trail every time—get yours and meet up at the bottom, knowing there’s no hard feelings hitting what’s best for you.

Looking for loveFinding a mate on the mountain (in both the American and Australian sense of the word) is a piece of cake on the slopes. The chairlift is an amazing way to spend 5-10 minutes of uninterrupted face time with someone new—it’s like speed dating without the weird cowbell ringing every 5 minutes. And après ski on a mountain is way better than hitting up your local bar because you already know you have at least on interest in common, other than drinking of course. So put on your favorite long underwear and hit the slopes—you may just hit it off.Enjoy V-Day by:

Join someone on the chairlift. Conversation starters are simpler than pick-up lines at the bar. “What’s your favorite run?” “Love your skis!” “Conditions are sweet!” These are all acceptable and way less cheesy ways to start chatting someone up than you would normally do at a bar.

Buy someone a drink at the bar with an excuse. “I saw you hit those moguls like a champ today—you deserve a drink.” Not only do you have common ground, but you’ve flattered someone’s ski skills so you’re already ahead.

Show off your skills. Hit the jumps, ride the rails, make some turns in the powder stash. In real life situations, being a show-off can be a turn-off. But on the slopes, everyone appreciates a good line or a killer trick.

Puppy loveLaughter and adventure are proven to make your first few dates memorable in the best way possible. Heading to a ski resort is all that and more. Having your first, second, or third date on the slopes is a sure-fire way to ensure that a second, third, of fourth date is on the agenda. If either of you aren’t skiers, the feeling of accomplishment and/or pride of making it down your first run is profound. Reminiscing on the chairlift is a memory you won’t forget, and when you’re eating or drinking afterwards, chances are you’re not worried about the little things like if your hair is messy—you’re just enjoying your time.Enjoy V-Day by:

First and foremost, it must be said… to truly enjoy a date, do NOT try to teach the other person how to ski or ride. Get an instructor. Unless you’re trying to break-up. Then we highly suggest it.

Compromise on which trails you decide to take runs on. If your ski levels are different, the more advanced skier should settle for easier trails, and the beginner skier should try something a bit harder. It’s a win-win; newbie appreciates the thought and is impressed with your skills and the advanced appreciates that you’re trying and is impressed when you make it down the hill!

Grab a table instead of cozying up to the bar for après ski. It’s more intimate while still enjoying food and drink and talking about the fun you had during the day. After eating, move to the bar or the dance floor to finish off the perfect date.

Committed relationshipSharing a common hobby without being attached at the hip is how true love grows. Skiing together as a committed couple, or when the time comes, as a family, is one of the most rewarding things you can do. After the admitted struggles of getting to the point where you are of similar skill levels (see puppy love #1), we promise your relationship will be stronger and you will have wonderful memories to laugh at or smile about. And although time away from our S.O. is needed, skiing is mostly about hanging out with people you can be yourself with and who will always be there for you, sometimes helping you up after you fall. Nothing is more rewarding than living with your favorite ski buddy.Enjoy V-Day by:

If you are a family, make the decision early as to whether you are bringing the kids or not. If you’re bringing the kids, choose a mountain that allows your kids to do their own thing without you worrying about them so you can spend some time down memory lane skiing with your partner.

Return to the roots of your relationship and make it a date. While you have gotten comfortable skiing on your own and meeting up at the bottom (or the bar), take today to compromise on your favorite trails and make some turns together.

Use the chairlift to learn more about your partner. No matter how long you’ve been together you can always learn something new. Put the phone down and start a conversation that has nothing to do with the day-to-day. Play some games of “would you rather” or “what would you do.”

Whichever point of a relationship you’re in, or not in, remember that the ski slopes should be a time of freedom and spending time with the people that matter the most. That could be yourself, your friends, or your significant other. So this year, enjoy Valentine’s Day without the ordinary chocolate and roses and instead opt for the white powder.

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